On the Confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court

Statement of GLAD Executive Director Janson Wu On the Confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court:

First, I want to join in thanking Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, and the many other survivors who have courageously come forward to share their stories over the past few weeks. We cannot let the outcome of this process today be the end to this important conversation, or the end to our national work to change a culture that has too often and for too long ignored, allowed, and even encouraged sexual assault and harassment.

Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation, by a razor thin margin, to the highest court in the country follows the most contentious confirmation fight in memory. Serious questions remain about both the thoroughness of this process, and about Judge Kavanaugh’s ability to credibly respond to multiple allegations brought forward against him. In his testimony last Thursday he failed, by his own acknowledgement, to demonstrate the steady and independent judicial temperament Americans have a right to expect from any judge, most especially a justice of the Supreme Court.

Judge Kavanaugh has much to do to restore the public’s confidence in his ability to be an impartial and nonpartisan jurist. For the sake of the legitimacy and legacy of the Supreme Court, and of the highest principles in our Constitution, it is my sincere hope that Judge Kavanaugh takes seriously the opportunity he has now been granted to do so.

We are all keenly aware of the critical issues likely to come before the Court in the coming years – from voting rights, to the rights of immigrants, employment discrimination, affirmative action, access to healthcare, reproductive choice, and much more. The extraordinary level of passionate engagement in this confirmation process has been a testament to the importance of these issues in the every day lives of millions of Americans.

GLAD will continue to push forward in courts at all levels, including the Supreme Court, our vision of a Constitution that values the inherent dignity of all Americans, including LGBTQ Americans and all women.

Ultimately, we believe the abiding principles of due process, liberty, and equality embedded in our Constitution must and will survive and thrive in the years ahead. We must all stay engaged to ensure that they do.